Premier League week 29: Match predictions

As the Premier League nears it's last few rounds of fixtures, the table is looking more competitive than ever before, with teams looking to get enough points on the board to avoid a nervy run-in.

This weekend however, only five games will be played around the country, but could still have a major effect on how the table looks come Monday morning. Here's a look at our predictions for the upcoming fixtures:

West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United

David Moyes' men will be looking to bounce back from an embarrassing loss away in Europe last week. Not only do the Red Devils now have to overcome a two-goal deficit against Olympiacos in the second leg, but also have to begin to show something more than the sub-standard displays we are coming to expect.

A boost for the champions will be the availability of Juan Mata, cup-tied and hence ineligible in Europe. The Hawthorns, however, is no easy place to travel to. Spaniard Pepe Mel is yet to get the kind of results he would like on a regular basis, but the Baggies have managed draws with Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea at home recently so one can fully expect them to give United a run for their money.

Let's not forget that United may also be playing this one with one eye on the return fixture in the Champions League, so I predict a score draw in this game.

Cardiff City vs Fulham

This game could potentially decide the fate of either one or perhaps even both of the sides involved in their fight to battle relegation. Both sides are separated by just a point at the bottom of the table and would be looking to this game as definitely the most winnable one in their respective fixture lists over the next few weeks.

A draw could possibly condemn both teams to a rather unsavory fate, so can Felix Magath mastermind a vital victory or will Cardiff led by a certain 'baby-faced assassin' come out on top in this most important of relegation six-pointers?

I predict 2-1 to Cardiff this week.

Crystal Palace vs Southampton

In the early stages of the season, one would have called this one an easy win for the Saints, who took off with a bang. Crystal Palace, in stark contrast, were woeful and almost sure to be in the Championship next season.

With the appointment of Tony Pulis, however, Palace have sparked a miraculous turnaround and are looking increasingly hard to beat, particularly at home. Southampton, on the other hand, will be looking to recover from a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool last weekend and return to winning ways.

A win will lift Palace further clear of the drop zone, and to be honest, they need it more than a mid-table Southampton who would be a whole lot more content with their current position.

Expect a scrappy, hard fought 1-0 win for Palace.

Norwich vs Stoke City

Chris Hughton's men were thumped convincingly by a resurgent Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon. It was a surprise result to many and the Canaries, leaving them uncomfortably close to the drop zone yet again.

Stoke, on the other hand, upset an Arsenal side on Saturday, denting their opponents' title aspirations in the process of getting a huge morale-boosting win at the Britannia Stadium.

Both teams will be doing their best to inch closer to the magic forty point mark, so expect a 1-1 draw.

Chelsea vs Tottenham

Jose Mourinho's proud undefeated home record in the Premier League faces another stern test as Spurs visit Stamford Bridge in the late kick-off this weekend.

The Blues looked to be in imperious form - particularly in the second half - at Fulham and will be looking to pull further clear of the chasing pack, none of whom are playing this week. Spurs have looked far from convincing against the other top teams this season and it seems highly unlikely that they will be the ones to stop the Jose juggernaut.

Expect Chelsea to draw at worst, but I predict a 2-0 win for the Blues.

As the weeks pass, the title race - as well as relegation battles - is becoming hotter and hotter, you simply cannot miss a minute of the action as the countdown to Week 38 begins.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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